If there is one thing I've learned, it's that life has a way of distracting you. In the many months since I last blogged, I have moved to a new city, started graduate school, began a new job, experienced a bad break-up and re-focused my life in many ways. I am now an official Wildcat (although my heart still bleeds Maize and Blue) attending Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University!
The experience of moving to Chicago and reporting for Medill has been amazing thus far. I've gotten to meet a host of characters and explore many neighborhoods, from "the 100s" on the South Side to the artsy, hipsters of the far North Side. I have heard from many people say that graduate school is not as difficult as undergrad. That is true, it's not, HOWEVER, it is very time-consuming and tiring. Based on my first quarter of highs and lows here is some advice on how to survive the grad school grind:
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| Computer opened, textbook ready-let the studying begin |
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| The beautiful city of Chicago from my plane seat |
1. Make sure you're studying your passion
Graduate school is a serious commitment. It is a financial commitment, a time-sensitive commitment and a mental commitment. If you are not 100% sure about what you want to study and committed to the thought of that commitment, then rethink enrolling.
2. Network, Network, Network
Take advantage of your genius professors and (if you're like me) studying and working in a major city. There are so many opportunities and resources to help you make the most of your experience. Utilize all of them.
3. Do not stretch yourself too thin
Since moving to Chicago and starting school, I have been offered many opportunities to work and intern. I have chosen to pursue those opportunities, but also know I rather give 100% to two things, than 25% to four things. Know your limit and do not take on more than you have time for. This will bring nothing but stress and turmoil to what should be a happy experience.
4. Plan Ahead
I know you've heard this before, and I'm sure you will hear it again, but it so very important to being successful in school: time management! Plan your days so that you have enough time to study, work, report (if that's your thing), stay active, spend some time at happy hour. The key to eliminating stress in graduate school is to make sure you've planned ahead. Scheduling your days guarantees you have time for school, and time for some much-needed fun as well.
- 10:52:00 AM
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